O God, whose Son Jesus is the good shepherd of your people: Grant that when we hear his voice we may know him who calls us each by name, and follow where he leads; who, with you and the Holy Spirit, lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. Collect for Fourth Sunday of Easter, pg 225, Book of Common Prayer
Each of the seven Sundays we celebrate Easter (50 days) has a similar theme, no matter what year our lectionary. Last Sunday – Easter III – was Jesus eating with disciples after his resurrection, usually a theme of Eucharist. This Sunday – Easter IV – is often called, Shepherd Sunday. We hear about Jesus as the “good” shepherd.
Throughout our lives, this image and the attributes of Jesus, the good Shepherd, comfort us. While I haven’t seen any research, I’d bet the 23rd Psalm is the most known and most recited Psalm… “The Lord is my shepherd….” It’s a familiar Psalm at funerals or the time of death.
In the Collect for this Sunday, we acknowledge that Jesus, our good shepherd, calls each of us by name! Every one of us is known to Jesus by our names. To know someone’s name is an important part of being in relationship with them. And while I used to be terrific at remembering names, I have more trouble doing so and feel frustrated when I cannot remember someone’s name. So, knowing Jesus never forgets a name….never forgets one of us…knows each of us… is extremely comforting to me.
Blessings at the end of the week and may you find great blessing in remembering that Jesus calls you by your name.
Love, Rebecca+
I will be at St. John’s Corbin Tuesday and Wednesday and in Lexington on Thursday. Her Sabbath Days will be Monday and Friday. You can get a message to her by calling the church office at 606-528-1659 or priest-in-charge@stjohnscorbin.org.
Appreciation Sunday. Each of us is important to the community of St. John’s, especially when we are with each other each Sunday. Today we honor those among us who volunteer additional time to our life together. A big thanks for your time and talent!
Godly Play: All children are invited to participate in Godly Play, a special program of Spiritual development each Sunday morning at 10:00am.
Adult Forum: Our current series is on Ten Ways to Pray. This week Rebecca will lead a session on singing and journaling.
Pot Luck Sunday: This Sunday is our monthly pot luck. Bring a dish or drink to share. All are welcome! Plan to fellowship with each other. Our pot luck schedule shifts in October and November, depending upon the Bishop’s visit and our Annual Meeting.
Daughters of the King: The Regional Luncheon Meeting for Daughters of the King will be held tomorrow, Saturday, April 25, 11:30am – 1:30pm. All women members and those interested in becoming members are invited! Please let Shelia Phillips know if you would like to attend.
Belk Charity Sales Day: Belk department store will host a Charity Sales Day on Saturday, May 2, 6am – 10am. Buy tickets for $5.00 to get into this special sale. The church keeps the money and you get $5.00 off an item for each ticket you have. Members of the ECW will be selling tickets prior to the event
Diocesan Leadership Training: Diocesan leadership training sessions will be offered at St. Patrick’s Church, Somerset on Friday May 8, 5:45pm-9:00pm and Saturday, May 9, 9am – 4pm. Let Rev. Rebecca know if you’d like to attend this important and informative training. The focus is on effective communication and effective community behaviors. The format is a mix of lecture and small group discussion.
Grow Appalachia: The Grow Appalachia committee meets Thursday evenings at 6pm through May.
2015 Goals: The Vestry has adopted the following goals for 2015, in line with our recently-adopted Mission Statement, Proclaiming the Gospel, promoting justice, and preparing a diverse community of seekers to reflect the welcoming love of Christ:
- Support Al-Anon group meeting at the Church.
- List St. John’s Church on the Integrity and Believe Out Loud websites as an open and welcoming church, especially for people who are Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Questioning.
- Remodel space for use as a sacristy.
- Repurpose the parlor.
- Serve as a site for the KCEOC Summer Lunch program for youth ages 18 and under.
United Thank Offering Ingathering, May 17. Remember to bring your thank offering boxes AND pick up another one for the fall ingathering. A thank offering box is a great way to give thanks and gratitude each day. When combined with thousands of others, it supports wonderful projects in The Episcopal Church.